December 13, 2024
Dear SRVUSD Community, Parents/Caregivers,
I write to you today with the somber responsibility of addressing our District’s financial challenges. SRVUSD faces a multi-million dollar structural deficit that requires decisive action to ensure fiscal solvency and maintain local control over budget decisions. While no one desires to make significant budget reductions, the reductions are necessary to align our expenditures with our revenues.
To ensure the long-term financial stability of our District and maintain local control over our budget decisions, we must implement at least $24 million in budget reductions for the 2025-2026 school year. The pending $24 million reduction, coupled with the $10 million and $3.5 million reductions enacted in the last ten months, will amount to $37.5 million in reductions since March of 2024.
I understand the gravity of these cuts and the potential impact on our students, staff, and programs. It is with deep regret that I make such deep and wide-ranging recommendations for budget reductions. However, they are essential to preserve the core mission of our district and provide a quality education for all students. I remain committed to a transparent and collaborative process as we move forward:
- On December 19, 2024, I will present a detailed budget reduction plan to the Board of Education for review and discussion. No formal action will be taken at this meeting.
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On January 14, 2025, the Board of Education will deliberate on the proposed reductions and may take action on the proposed reductions.
The scope of reductions needed to meet the required amount of $24 million impacts programs, positions, and a wide range of employees. Several of the proposed reductions will necessitate negotiations with our labor unions, as required by law. I acknowledge the differing perspectives that may arise related to my proposed reductions and am committed to engaging in collaborative, good-faith discussions with our labor unions. Together, we can work toward solutions that support the district’s financial stability while prioritizing the needs of our students and staff.
To better understand the factors contributing to this financial crisis and the specific areas of proposed reductions, I am hopeful you will make time to review the attached plan, in its entirety. This document provides detailed information on our district's funding sources, expenditures, and the systemic school funding issues that negatively impact SRVUSD. Additionally, I encourage you to review the most recent budget update provided to our Board of Education from Tuesday night’s meeting. The video can be found here.
I acknowledge the proposed areas of reduction will be hard to process. Prior budget reductions have already captured the reduction options that would be less impactful to students and staff.
We are not alone in facing these challenges. Many districts across California and the Bay Area are grappling with similar financial difficulties. I urge our community and our staff to come together, support one another, and work collaboratively to navigate this difficult period.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to address these financial realities and maintain the high-quality education that defines SRVUSD.
Sincerely,
CJ Cammack
Superintendent
